LB Matt Roth told he’ll return for New York Jets rematch

DAVIE — Linebacker Matt Roth watched Monday night’s game against the Jets from the couch in his living room with his fiancée knowing the next time Miami faces its rival he might be on the field with his teammates.

Roth is eligible to come off the reserve/non-football injury list on Oct. 20th, but has been told he’ll be back at practice after Miami’s sixth game of the year against New Orleans, the week leading up to the rematch with New York.

“Can’t wait,” he said. “I’ll be ready to knock heads off come two weeks.”

(Allen Eyestone / The Post)

According to NFL rules, once he comes off the list, the team has 21 days to decide whether to activate him or return him to the injury list for the rest of the year. The Dolphins simply may want to look at Roth for a week instead of activating him and having to make a roster move before facing the Saints.

If the Dolphins return Roth to active duty, it could mean the end for one of the Dolphins’ backup outside linebackers, likely Quentin Moses, who did not see any game action in the first four games and was inactive last week.

Roth has been attending team meetings, but according to league rules, has been unable to practice since he reported to camp with a groin injury that has limited him since last season. While he is on the reserve/non-football injury list, he is not entitled to his $700,000 salary.

Roth still cannot discuss the injury or face a fine from the team. But he did dismiss the early rumor that instead of an injury, this was a holdout ploy by agent Drew Rosenhaus.

When Roth does return, he’ll have a long climb back to the starting lineup. Jason Taylor, who replaced him on the strong side, is fifth on the team with 11 tackles and is tied for the team lead with three sacks.

Today, before practice, Roth had teammate and fellow linebacker Reggie Torbor convinced he was returning to practice this week.

“I had him fooled,” Roth said, “and then I put my jersey and cap on.”

Asked whether he could play today if he were allowed, he said, “Heck, yeah.”